Taekwondo
Akwa Ibom Celebrates Taekwondo Gold Medallist Udobong After National Open Trials Triumph
Akwa Ibom State’s growing stature as one of Nigeria’s leading sports development hubs received another endorsement on Monday as taekwondo star Uyama Udobong was formally presented to the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, following his gold medal-winning performance at the National Taekwondo Open Trials in Ogun State.
Udobong emerged champion in the men’s -87kg category, securing qualification for upcoming international competitions and further highlighting the success of the state’s investment in grassroots and elite sports development.
The athlete was received at the Ministry of Sports headquarters alongside officials of the Akwa Ibom State Taekwondo Association, where the Commissioner commended him and his coaches for bringing honour to the state.
Elder Bassey said the achievement aligned with the vision of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to discover, nurture and develop sporting talents capable of competing successfully on the national and international stages.
“The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, whom I represent, is proud of this achievement. His administration is intentional about sports development, particularly at the grassroots level. His vision is to see Akwa Ibom children discover their talents, excel in their chosen sports, and project the state’s name on the global stage,” Bassey said.
The Commissioner described taekwondo as one of the sports that has consistently delivered medals for the state and assured athletes and officials of continued government support.
He also addressed concerns relating to travel documentation for international competitions, urging sports associations and athletes to engage the ministry early whenever invitations or competition notifications are received.
“When notifications are brought to the Ministry on time, it becomes easier for us to provide the required support through the appropriate channels. Notwithstanding, we will do everything within our capacity to facilitate the travel documentation needed for this particular athlete’s participation in international competitions,” he said.
Earlier, Coach Henry Anietie and the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Taekwondo Association, Mrs Stella Udi, formally presented Udobong’s gold medal to the Commissioner, describing the triumph as a successful fulfilment of the assignment entrusted to the state contingent.
The association officials expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Commissioner for Sports, the Permanent Secretary and other officials of the ministry for their continued support towards the development of taekwondo.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, congratulated the athlete and the association for making the state proud and urged them to remain focused on achieving greater success.
Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton, described every medal won by Akwa Ibom athletes as a collective achievement for the state and the sports ministry.
She attributed the success to hard work, effective collaboration among stakeholders and divine favour, while expressing confidence that the state would record even greater achievements in future competitions.
Akwa Ibom’s impressive outing at the National Taekwondo Open Trials was further enhanced by Stella Gideon, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s -49kg category.
The state’s contingent returned from Ogun State with two medals from five athletes, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a fertile ground for the development of taekwondo and other sports in Nigeria.
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By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
Imo State has emerged overall winner of the just-concluded South East Taekwondo Championship held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Indoor Sports Hall, Owerri. The host state dominated the medal table with an impressive haul of 41 medals—13 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze—to finish top of the regional competition.
Abia State followed closely with 28 medals, comprising 12 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze, while Ebonyi State secured 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze. Enugu State finished at the bottom of the table with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
The championship, which ran from November 7 to 9, 2025, featured 74 athletes from the four South East states, showcasing promising talents and renewed regional interest in grassroots sports development.
Speaking during the medal presentation ceremony, Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, commended the organizers for reviving competitive taekwondo in the region.
“I applaud this event that brings grassroots development and exposure opportunities to our youths in the region,” Onyeocha said.
“There is a need for its sustenance in the years to come so that it can produce national and international champions who will bring pride to the region and to the state.”
Olympic bronze medalist Chika Chukwumerije, who coordinated the event after a four-year break from active management, praised the regional collaboration behind the championship.
“I’m happy to see people come together to push the grassroots development agenda,” Chukwumerije said. “Our youth deserve this exposure, and investing in them is the way forward. This is how to produce future champions—one brick at a time.”
One of the standout performers of the event, 13-year-old Ikechukwu Chidiebere of Abia State, who won gold in the Cadet -49kg category, expressed his excitement and gratitude.
“I won two bronze medals at the National Youth Games, but I haven’t competed since then,” the young athlete said. “This event helped me correct my mistakes and boosted my confidence.”
For Enugu State’s Assistant Taekwondo Coach, Musa Enakheme, the championship provided valuable preparation ahead of next year’s National Sports Festival, which Enugu will host.
“We have not participated in any event for a long time,” he said. “This championship was an eye-opener and shows us the areas where we need to work harder.”
The next South East Regional Taekwondo Championship is scheduled to hold from February 20 to 21, 2026, in Umuahia, Abia State.
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Nigerian taekwondo athlete Elizabeth Anyanacho has been named as one of 30 Game Changers of 2020, a project established by the Malala Fund.
The Game Changes project aims to highlight the stories of female athletes, who outline their accomplishments in sport and their work to make our world a more equal place.
This includes challenging lack of diversity in their sports, as well as advocating for people with disabilities.
Anyanacho is named on the list for 2020 after qualifying for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old became the first female Nigerian taekwondo athlete to qualify for the Games in 16 years.
She secured one of two berths available in the women’s under-67-kilogram event at the African qualification tournament, which was held in Moroccan capital Rabat during February.
Her participation at the Olympics has been delayed due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020 to 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyanacho first participated in a taekwondo competition in 2017, but repeated success at tournaments has led to her qualification for the Olympic Games.
Anyanacho said that her initial aim was to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, but qualification has been achieved ahead of schedule.
“It was a great joy because we achieved one part of the plan that was conceived five years ago.
“I get to be among one of the persons serving my country.”
The Game Changes project is backed by the Malala Fund, which was co-founded by student and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
The 30 athletes featuring in 2020 represent 24 countries.
“Some have competed at the Olympics and Paralympics, others are just starting out,” Game Changers said.
“Each one is a testament to the incredible potential of girls and women when given the opportunity to learn and lead.”
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